町人
also: まちにん
Meanings
1
townspeople; merchants and artisans; chōnin
historical term
Historical term for the urban commoner class in the Edo period, especially landowning merchants and artisans. Not used for modern townspeople in general.
In the Edo period, chōnin were placed below the samurai.
This festival was originally started by the townspeople.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は町人の出だto be of chōnin (merchant/artisan) lineage
He is said to be of chōnin (merchant/artisan) lineage from Edo.
- 町人として暮らすto live as a chōnin (urban commoner)
He gave up his samurai status and chose to live as a chōnin.